Aviation has played a crucial role in shaping modern history, and there have been countless aviators who have contributed to this progress.
As we currently embark on our next aviation exploration into space, we decided that it would be an appropriate moment to look back at four historical aviators who had had a significant impact on shaping the initial course of the industry.
These famous flyers' contributions led to some of the most important moments, not just in aviation history, but that of modern humans, too. Join FlyDays.co.uk as we take you through our top four aviators to influence the industry.
Our first aviator is Orville Wright, one half of the pioneering duo, the Wright Brothers. Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1871, Orville and his brother, Wilbur, were the pair who first initiated the idea that humans could use powered flight.
Together, they built and flew the first successful aeroplane, the Wright Flyer, in 1903. Orville was the pilot on this flight, which lasted just 12 seconds and covered 120 feet.
The Wright brothers' accomplishment was not only a breakthrough in aviation, but it also had a profound impact on the world, opening new possibilities for transportation and communication. Orville's contributions laid the foundations for modern aircraft design and aerospace engineering.
Our second famous aviator was the military officer, author, inventor and explorer, Charles Lindbergh. He was born in 1902 in Detroit, Michigan and he made history on May 20-21, 1926, when he became the first person to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic.
He flew from New York City to Paris in his single-engine Ryan monoplane, the Spirit of St. Louis, covering a distance of about 3,600 miles in 33 hours and 30 minutes.
Lindbergh's accomplishment was a monumental technical achievement and milestone in aviation history but it also marked a significant turning point in its course too: the boost to the public's confidence in flight safety and reliability meant that more funds were invested in the aviation industry as the world finally started to take note of the true capabilities available.
The next aviator we turn our focus to is Amelia Earhart. Earhart was born in Kansas in 1897 and was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1932, she flew from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, Canada, to Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in her Lockheed Vega.
Earhart's historic flight captured the imagination of people around the world and demonstrated that women could be just as capable as men when it comes to flying aeroplanes. Her accomplishment was a major milestone for women's rights and helped break down the many barriers for female pilots in the industry.
Finally, we have Neil Armstrong, who was born in 1930 in Ohio – a state now seemingly capable of bringing the best out of those whose dreams are up in the sky.
Armstrong was an American astronaut and engineer, and in 1969, became the first person to walk on the Moon. He was the commander of the Apollo 11 mission, which was the first manned mission to land on Earth's ever present close neighbour.
On July 20, Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface and famously proclaimed those 12 words that nearly every human in the world now knows: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
Armstrong's moon landing was a defining moment in human history and marked the culmination of a decade-long effort by the United States to achieve this goal. It demonstrated the true power of human ingenuity and showed that even the most difficult challenges can be overcome.
In conclusion, Orville Wright, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart and Neil Armstrong all had one thing in common – they were passionate about aviation and dedicated their lives to advancing the industry. Their contributions have led to some of the most positive moments in aviation history and had a profound impact on the world.
They are true pioneers and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations as we press forward in 2023 to our next destination – the stars!
Book one of our Flying Experiences today and follow in their footsteps at UK wide airfields and locations, available to purchase through our Gift Vouchers.
